Elemental Analysis

Elemental analysis is critical to identifying and quantifying elements in a sample and determining trace-level elements. A highly skilled approach to elemental testing is required that combines appropriate instrumentation with sample preparation and methodology that are most relevant to both the sample matrix and the aim of the study.  To meet various industry challenges, working to appropriate standards is essential.

Elemental Analysis Laboratory 
We apply our elemental analysis testing expertise to trace and ultra-trace analysis, including parts per million (ppm), parts per billion (ppb) and parts per trillion (ppt) levels, using proven techniques for sample preparation and sample analysis. Our laboratories utilize a range of up-to-date instrumentation including inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) which detects trace levels through to percentage levels. Sample types and matrices tested for trace elements include organic and non-organic, aqueous and non-aqueous materials and is routinely used for in trace metals analysis. Our ICP expertise is part of a suite of powerful elemental techniques we use to gain detailed insight into material composition. We also use ion chromatography to determine anions and cations in liquid samples, we also have High-Performance Wavelength Dispersive XRF spectrometry (XRF) and XRF2 mapping, which provides rapid non-destructive trace elemental analysis of solid and powder samples with the ability to map individual elements for solid samples and surfaces. We use Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and combustion techniques (elemental analysers capable of analysing for carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur, oxygen and chlorine) to provide a comprehensive understanding of elemental distribution and concentration, supporting diverse applications from quality control to advanced material research. Our elemental analysis lab network routinely works with global clients to develop the most suitable methods for either elemental composition analysis  or and analytical approaches to provide relevant and accurate data and insights. 

Elemental Impurities Analysis
Even at trace levels, elemental impurities can significantly impact the chemical, physical, or other functional properties of materials, substances, or products. During processing or production, trace chemical contaminants could be introduced, negatively impacting both the material’s characteristics and the final product. To ensure high-quality materials, scientists and engineers rely on trace elemental analysis to detect, control, and eliminate contamination through systematic inspection and ongoing testing during manufacturing. 

Elemental Analysis Service Applications
Our global network of elemental analysis experts has years of industry expertise covering polymers, materials, speciality chemicals, bulk chemicals, formulated chemical products, packaging, cosmetics, petroleum, beauty products, pharmaceuticals and a range of consumer or industrial products. With Intertek as your partner, we can meet all your elemental analysis needs. Here is a selection of challenges where we help our clients:

• Chemical regulatory support: We support the mandatory Chemical Safety Assessment (CSA) and substance identification for REACH. We have supported many chemical importers or manufacturers in meeting the elemental analysis requirements of REACH.
• Identification of unknowns: Our teams can draw on experience and awareness of different sample techniques to identify the elemental composition.
• Regulatory and Government import requirements: We provide robust elemental analysis, for example, which ensures that trace metals are within a specified acceptable limit for beauty products such as perfumes and cosmetics.
• Rapid response troubleshooting: Our scientists provide a rapid turnaround to solve manufacturing issues, for example, semi-quantitative screening or comparison to a ‘good’ batch.
• Pharmaceutical development or production: We conduct elemental analysis for pharmaceutical companies to support R&D and GMP manufacturing. In particular, we provide testing to ICH Q3D and routinely perform USP 232/233 testing for elemental impurities.
• Quality control: We support quality control for the chemicals, electronics, medical, pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare sectors, where routine batch analyses ensure high-quality and safe products.
• Tailored sample preparation: The correct sample preparation is essential to achieving reliable quantitation data. Our experts choose the most appropriate sample preparation methods from various sample preparation approaches to select the technique most suited to the sample.
• Independent third-party testing lab services: Suppliers may require an independent organisation to measure the exact amounts of specific metals in a sample.
• Packaging compliance support: Regulatory analysis is needed to support compliance with food or pharmaceutical packaging. Our teams analyse samples from controlled extraction or migration studies involving food contact materials or pharmaceutical container closure systems to demonstrate compliance with national and international standards.
• Trace analysis for elements that can act as catalyst poisons: We can also measure precious group metal (PGM) content for residual PGM elements and depletion of active metals following use. 

Contact our team now to find out how we can support your specific elemental analysis needs.